March 1, 2002

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Chris Davis tied his season-high with 32 points, leading North Texas to an 84-71 victory over Florida International in a first-round game at the Sun Belt Conference Tournament on Friday.

North Texas, 15-13 and the fourth seed from the West, will meet Western Kentucky, the top seed from the East, on Saturday. Florida International finished 10-20.

Jermaine Green scored 19 points and Leonard Hopkins 11 for North Texas.

Taurance Johnson and Nikola Novakovic scored 16 each for Florida International.

North Texas shot 55 percent from the field while the Golden Panthers shot 43 percent.

North Texas took control midway through the first half with a 13-2 run. Hopkins scored nine and Green four as North Texas extended a three-point lead to a 33-19 advantage with six minutes left in the half.

North Texas led 46-32 at halftime. Florida International closed within 11 at the start of the second half, but couldn't get any closer.